An educator with a passion for helping students smoothly master complex concepts shares his secrets.
GUEST COLUMN | by Scott Woodbury-Stewart
YULIYA PAULIUKEVICH
Fifteen years ago, I was a science and math teacher. I helped thousands of students develop a genuine interest in those challenging subjects — but I also saw thousands of high school and college students struggle to earn competitive scores on standardized tests like the SAT and GMAT.
In helping my students master the principles these tests are designed to measure, I realized there was a real need for better, smarter, more effective support in test prep. It’s not that everyone needs to get into an elite college or graduate school to have a successful life. But every student deserves the right tools and guidance to succeed, however they define that.
‘It’s not that everyone needs to get into an elite college or graduate school to have a successful life. But every student deserves the right tools and guidance to succeed, however they define that.’
Back then, it was hard to find accessible, high-quality resources to prepare for tests like the SAT or the GMAT. It was even harder to find a test prep program that truly connected with students. What was missing wasn’t just the right materials but a personalized, supportive approach that put the student first. Students needed a better system — one that combines cutting-edge technology with a human touch, tailored to each student’s unique needs.
Over the course of these fifteen years, I have discovered five key components that work for highly effective test prep:
1. Thorough design and functionality — For students to succeed on tests like the GMAT, practice is key. That’s why they need access to thousands of realistic practice questions across every format, ensuring they’re prepared for whatever the test throws at them. It’s important that these questions come with multiple practice options, including flashcards, so that students can study anytime, anywhere. The foundation of a strong prep course also includes instructor-led videos that break down complex concepts into manageable steps. The goal is to provide students with realistic practice that hones their skills at every level, so they’re equipped to handle any section of the test with confidence.
2. Personalized study plans — One-size-fits-all study plans simply don’t work. Every student has unique strengths and areas for improvement, which is why personalized preparation is critical to success. Study plans should be tailored to each student’s needs, giving them a clear roadmap of what to do and when to do it. Beyond an individualized plan, students also benefit from insider knowledge, including how to identify common traps and mastering “tricks of the trade” that can make the difference between an average score and an exceptional one. Personalized preparation ensures that students are optimizing their study time and focusing on what will have the greatest impact.
3. Technology-driven progress reports — Technology can transform the way students prepare for tests like the GMAT, especially when it comes to personalized insights. Students benefit from detailed, data-driven overviews of their progress across Quant, Verbal, and Data Insights, allowing them to track their performance, identify strengths, and focus on areas where they need the most improvement. Additionally, peer comparisons can provide extra motivation and help students study more strategically. Technology also enables precise error tracking, helping students pinpoint common mistakes and refine their approach to avoid them in the future.
4. Humanizing and interactive design — An effective study program goes beyond content — it needs to be interactive and human-centered. Clear, in-depth explanations of every concept ensure that students fully grasp the material, while easy-to-digest lessons help them progressively build knowledge and skills without feeling overwhelmed. Pro tips, shortcuts, and expert insights are woven throughout to give students an edge in their preparation. A humanizing approach ensures that the learning experience remains engaging and relatable, encouraging students to stay focused and motivated throughout the study process.
5. Expert live support and guidance — Even with the best resources, students still need real-time support to tackle the toughest questions. A dedicated support team is essential for helping students work through problems they don’t understand. It’s also critical to offer expert insights on effective study strategies. This human component, which even the most advanced technology cannot replicate, makes all the difference. Students need to feel supported, knowing that someone has their back every step of the way.
Preparing for tests like the GMAT is tough — there’s no getting around that. It requires time, dedication, and real effort. But no student should fail because they don’t have the right tools or support. I’ve seen students achieve life-changing scores when they follow a strategic, personalized study plan. Take Julia, for example. After ten months of focused, individualized study, she took the GMAT for the first time and scored a 805 – a perfect score.
Julia’s story is extraordinary, but results like hers prove that with the right approach, any student can dramatically improve their scores. And that’s what continues to drive me every day — knowing that we can provide the tools, insights, and support that help students achieve their goals, in school and beyond.
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Scott Woodbury-Stewart is CEO and founder of Target Test Prep. Scott has taught courses in physics, chemistry, and math. Connect with Scott on LinkedIn.
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Original Article Published at Edtech Digest
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